Hays US Blog

If you need to hire while working remotely, there are several ways to ensure a successful video interview and find the right candidate.

Choose your type of remote interview

We recommend conducting video interviews even when you’re working remotely. There are two types of video interviews – one-way and two-way. In a one-way interview, you send your candidate a list of questions and they send a recorded response back. We suggest a two-way video interview as this enables you to interact with the candidate, giving you a better indication of their soft skills and cultural fit.

Choose your platform

When conducting a video interview, there are a number of options available, including Skype, BlueJeans, FaceTime and WhatsApp video calls. Some of these also allow for conference interviews, so if required multiple interviewers can speak to a single candidate. However, be mindful that not all candidates will have access to all these tools – so talk to your consultant about the best platform to use.

Remember the basics

Before the interview, conduct a test run to check your technology and software. Check that your devices are adequately charged, so that you will be undisturbed throughout the interview. Also be aware of what may be seen behind you on video calls. We suggest you sit or are standing up in one location and do not move around.

Reflect your organization’s culture

During the interview, dress to reflect your typical workplace culture. For example, if an employee can expect to be working in a corporate office environment consider wearing more formal attire. Reinforce your employer brand – even though you are remote.

Give an indication of interview length

This should be discussed with your recruiter beforehand, but it is also good to mention how long an interview will take at the start of the call. The candidate can then ensure their devices are adequately charged and that they do not need to change location.

Question preparation

No different to a normal interview, have a set of questions pre-prepared. These can be the same as you would ask in a face-to-face interview and will likely be a mix of technical and behavioral. Have these questions next to you and ensure you can see them whilst conducting your interview. Remember to give the candidate time to respond, ensure they have finished their response before moving on.

Notice their presentation

Pay attention to how they communicate – do they speak in a professional manner or are they more informal? Look at their body language and how engaged they are. Consider what they are wearing and the environment they have chosen to be interviewed in.

Review the interview

After the interview, review any notes you jotted down. Consider any further questions you would like to ask and relay these to your consultant.

Speak to your recruiter

Your Hays consultant will contact you after the interview (virtually or over the phone) – let them know how it went, what your thoughts are and discuss the next steps. If you require any further support, they will be able to guide you on onboarding, follow ups and feedback.

Hays U.S. has a robust and flexible business continuity plan in place so we can continue to deliver our services to high standards, while maintaining the health, safety and wellbeing of our staff and customer

Let us help you hire – contact your local recruiting expert today